Skilled trades center being built near Marquette in UP

Updated
10:16 am EDT, Sunday, August 12, 2018

NEGAUNEE, Mich. (AP) — A training site is under construction in the Upper Peninsula for carpenters and millwrights to sharpen their skills.

Mike Jackson of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights says an upgrade is needed to give people the best training. The 30,000-square-foot building is going up in Negaunee Township, near Marquette. Officials broke ground on Wednesday.

The center will have areas for welding and woodworking. There will be an emphasis on skills to build homes, bridges and schools.

Jackson says "it looks like work is going to be very steady for a long time to come."

State Rep. Sara Cambensy of Marquette says the training center can help address a statewide shortage of people in skilled trades.